News & Features Archive

Sunday, April 7, 2013

In the first round of pay raises since Wisconsin all but ended collective bargaining rights for state workers, supervisors issued average pay boosts of 6.52 percent -- but only about one of 14 eligible workers saw increases.
(04/07/2013)

For students now sprinting toward the end of their college days, the finish line may not be much of a relief. More than ever, their gait is slowed by the weight of impending debt. Thirty-seven million Americans share about $1 trillion in student loans, according to Federal Reserve data.

A growing number of people have stopped paying for cable and satellite TV service, and don't even use an antenna to get free signals over the air. These people are watching shows and movies on the Internet, sometimes via cellphone connections. Last month, the Nielsen Co. started labeling people in this group "Zero TV" households, because they fall outside the traditional definition of a TV home.

Congress returns Monday from a two-week spring recess with gun control and immigration high on the Senate's agenda. Senators could start debating Democratic-written gun legislation before week's end. But leaders also might decide to give negotiators more time to seek a deal on expanding background checks for firearms buyers.

Sen. Lindsey Graham says disagreement over a new low-skilled worker program is still hanging up an immigration deal -- even after an agreement a week ago between the AFL-CIO and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Representatives from three health care organizations are expected to testify Sunday afternoon at the state Capitol about potential mergers. Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson is also inviting the public to weigh in at the hearing, which starts at 1:30 p.m.